Who was Harry Ramsden

A. Harry Ramsden was a highly successful fish and chip shop owner whose chain of shops has become a worldwide business.< xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

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Q. Where was the first restaurant opened and in what year

A. This question came from PhilD. The original Harry Ramsden's opened in Guiseley, Leeds in 1928.

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Q. So, how did it all come about

A. Harry Ramsden was already a successful fish frier in Bradford. His wife contracted tuberculosis and her doctor advised her to move away from the smoky city to the country. So, the couple moved to Guiseley, gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District.

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Q.� Hardly the place for lots of customers

A.� Wrong. Guiseley was also terminus for Leeds and Bradford trams. The first customers were ramblers, hikers and cyclists. The word soon spread. Day-trippers made the journey especially for his meals. Harry vowed to build the biggest fish and chip empire in the country and borrowed �2,000 each from his potato dealer, fish supplier and fat supplier.

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Q.� It worked

A.� Undoubtedly. By 1931, Harry opened a stylish fish and chip restaurant. One food critic wrote: 'There is probably no fish restaurant in Great Britain which surpasses the high standard of this Guiseley establishment. It provides fish dishes comparable with those enjoyed in London's exclusive West End, at prices within the reach of the average person.' In 1952, he celebrated his business's 21st birthday, with a huge party. Fish and chips were at the 1912 prices, a penny-ha'penny a portion.� Two brass bands and a dance band were laid on to entertain the customers and the night finished with a firework display.

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Q.� A fitting finale

A.� Yes. Harry retired in 1954. His manager, Eddie Stokes, took over the business. Harry died in 1963 at the age of 74.

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Q.� How did the business move on

A.� It was sold to Associated Fisheries in 1965. Three years later, the restaurant was doubled in size. By 1970 it seated 186 and had 140 staff. In November 1999 Harry's was bought by Granada and it is now a separate company within the Compass Group. Harry Ramsden's restaurants can now be found all over the country.

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Q.� What about abroad

A.� Yes. Even the Epcot Centre at Disney World, Florida has one.

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Q.� Loved by stars of stage and screen

A.� Yes. And Dispatch Box too. Diners included Jenny Agutter, Pat Phoenix, Jean Simmons, Donald Wolfitt, Jimmy Savile and Su Pollard, as well as Margaret Thatcher, John Major, Michael Foot and Jeffrey Archer.

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Q.� Anyone else

A.� The world's greatest guitarist, Jimi Hendrix, played a troubled gig at the Troutbeck Hotel, Ilkley, in 1960s. He and the band had a consoling meal at Harry's afterwards.

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By Steve Cunningham